Even though our core work is business immigration, this past week reminded us how important it is to support immigrants in all stages of their journey.
A number of matters outside the business context came together at once, and each one carried real impact for the families involved.
Fighting for the Release of an Asylum Seeker
We teamed up with co-counsel to file a habeas petition in the Eastern District of California on behalf of a Ukrainian asylum applicant who was being held without lawful authority. Habeas filings are often the only way to step in when a person is detained improperly, and we were honored to help push this case forward.
A Naturalization Approval After a Challenging Interview
We stood with a long-time client through a complicated naturalization interview and were able to secure an approval. Even better, we helped get their oath ceremony scheduled before the end of the year. Citizenship cases can take unexpected turns, so seeing this one cross the finish line was particularly meaningful.
Seeking to End Removal Proceedings That Should Never Have Started
We also moved to terminate removal proceedings for a woman who was issued an NTA simply for applying to change status from H-1B to H-4 when she became pregnant. This type of enforcement action is out of step with both the law and long-standing agency practice. Her H-4 has since been approved, and we expect the case to be dismissed.
A 245(i) Interview for a Long-standing Community Family
Finally, we joined a family at their adjustment of status interview under INA 245(i). This provision, created in the 1990s and extended until 2001, gives certain long-term residents who originally entered without inspection a pathway to permanent residence upon payment of a penalty fee. This family has spent many years building their lives here, paying taxes, raising children, and contributing to their community. Their case looks poised for approval, and it will bring long-awaited stability to their home.
As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, we are struck by how fortunate we are to do this work.
It is a privilege to stand up for people who have placed their trust in us, and to help keep families together in the face of a system that is often unforgiving.
We are grateful to our clients and to our team for making these moments possible.
